Ever been out on a beautiful walk with your dog, everything going perfectly, until—boom—your furry friend drops to the ground and starts rolling in something that smells awful?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered, “Why on earth do they do this?!” Trust me, you’re not alone. This behavior, while puzzling to us, is all part of your dog’s natural instincts.
Today, I will break down why dogs love to roll in the stinkiest things they can find and how we, as owners, can deal with it.
1. Instincts from Their Wild Ancestors
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Dogs have a habit of clinging to certain behaviors passed down from their wild ancestors. One of these instincts is rolling in pungent, smelly stuff like manure or dead animals.
Back when wolves roamed wild, this behavior helped them mask their scent to better sneak up on prey. It allowed them to disguise themselves, increasing their chances of a successful hunt.
Even though your couch-loving, kibble-eating dog doesn’t need to hunt anymore, the instinct is still there.
That natural urge to roll in something strong-smelling may seem gross to us, but to dogs, it’s a deeply ingrained survival technique.
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2. Social Signals and Communication
Your dog might not just be rolling in something smelly to camouflage themselves. They could be trying to send a message.
Dogs communicate largely through their sense of smell, and rolling in something stinky is a way for them to carry that scent around with them.
Imagine your dog coming back from a walk smelling like garbage—it’s like they’re bringing back “news” for the rest of the pack.
Other dogs can sniff out where they’ve been, what they’ve encountered, and maybe even what’s going on in the environment. It’s almost like dogs wear different “perfumes” to say, “Check out what I found today!”
3. It Feels Great (to Them)
Believe it or not, rolling in smelly stuff might simply feel amazing to your dog. Kind of like how we might enjoy a bath with fancy oils or a good massage.
Except, instead of lavender bath salts, they enjoy a rotting fish odor, apparently.
Dogs experience the world through their noses, and the intense sensory stimulation they get from rolling in something smelly could give them a lot of pleasure. For them, it’s not just about the scent but the whole experience.
Some experts even believe rolling in a strong odor can trigger the release of dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical in the brain.
So, yep, your dog might be feeling a wave of happiness while you gag at the stench.
4. Masking Their Own Scent
On top of that ancestral instinct to hunt, masking their own scent might have another purpose. It could help them hide from predators, just as some spiders rely on camouflage to avoid becoming prey.
While your adorable furball likely won’t need to dodge any dangerous wild animals in the backyard, that instinct to cover up their own smell with something else hasn’t disappeared.
Dogs may try to replace their natural odor with something stronger or more neutral in order to blend into their environment.
This was particularly useful in the wild but has less relevance in your living room. Still, it’s an impulse that’s hardwired into them.
5. Seeking Attention (and Learning How to Get It)
Dogs are incredibly observant. They know how to push our buttons in all the right ways. Some dogs might roll in something smelly simply because they’ve learned it gets your attention.
It doesn’t even have to be the “good” kind of attention. A dog doesn’t care if you’re laughing, scolding, or pulling them away—if they’re getting interaction, they may consider it a win.
I’ve noticed with my own dog, the more dramatic my reaction, the more likely they are to do it again. They learn that rolling in stinky things is a surefire way to get you talking (even if it’s just to yell “No!”). Dogs crave our attention, and if that means turning into a walking stink bomb, so be it.
6. Rolling as Stress Relief
Not every dog rolls in smelly things just for the fun of it. Some might be doing it as a form of stress relief. In moments of anxiety or nervousness, the act of rolling around in something strong-smelling might bring a sense of comfort.
Think of it as their way of self-soothing. Similar to how humans sometimes develop certain coping mechanisms, dogs can use certain behaviors to calm themselves down.
The smell and the physical action might help them feel more secure when they’re feeling anxious or uncertain.
7. Curiosity and Information Gathering
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and their sense of smell is their primary tool for exploring the world. Rolling in strong odors might be a way to gather even more information about a particular scent.
Every whiff tells them something about their environment—other animals that have been in the area, food sources, or maybe even something as specific as another dog’s territory.
While we humans rely mostly on sight, dogs depend heavily on their sense of smell. So, when they dive nose-first into something rank, it’s their version of exploring the world more deeply.
How Can You Stop It?
Let’s be real: you probably won’t be able to fully eliminate this behavior. But there are some ways to manage it and limit the number of smelly surprises you’ll have to deal with.
Use a Leash
One of the simplest methods is keeping your dog on a leash during walks, especially in areas where they’re likely to encounter stinky substances (like parks with lots of wildlife).
If you spot your dog zeroing in on something suspicious, a quick tug on the leash can redirect them.
Train Them with Commands
Teaching commands like “leave it” or “come” can be game-changers. If you spot your dog getting a little too curious about a nasty patch of something, calling them back before they roll is key.
Clean Thoroughly
When all else fails, and your dog does manage to roll in something horrible, it’s time for a bath. Use an odor-neutralizing shampoo designed for dogs, and try to clean them as thoroughly as possible.
I’ve found that a double wash is sometimes necessary—once to get the initial stink off and another to leave them smelling fresh.
But be warned—your dog might not love the “clean” scent afterward. They could be plotting their next smelly adventure as soon as you towel them off!
Final Thoughts
Why dogs love to roll around in things that smell repulsive https://t.co/LeJKAoGSTP pic.twitter.com/PLM8BgDBjP
— NYT Science (@NYTScience) October 15, 2016
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that rolling in smelly stuff is just part of being a dog. As frustrating as it can be for us humans, it’s completely natural for them. From instincts passed down by wolves to their need for sensory stimulation, there’s always a reason behind it.
As dog owners, it’s all about managing the behavior in a way that works for both us and our furry companions.
It doesn’t matter if it’s teaching commands, using a leash, or accepting the occasional smelly mishap, we can take steps to prevent (or at least minimize) their rolling escapades.
Just remember, even though they come home stinky sometimes, they’re just being their curious, instinct-driven, lovable selves.
